To the POINT DN
Message from the Community Reporter
Threestrikes
There are a few folks who are celebratingtheeightDemocraticU.S.Senatorswho recently voted with Republicans to reopen the U.S. government You may recall that it was the all-powerful Republicans (controllersoftheHouse,Senate,WhiteHouse,and SCOTUS)whoshutdownthegovernment Why? To pressure Democrats, hoping they would punk out and give up their fight to protect lower healthcare costs. The folk applaudingthosesevenDemocraticandone Independent U.S. senators say they had no choice and acted outofcompassionforfederalworkersmissingpaychecks.But mostfolkarepissed,callingthemthe“SelloutCaucus.”These sevenDemocraticandoneIndependentU.S.senatorssupposedly“won”threethingsbymakingadealwiththeGOP.One: A future vote on a Democratic bill in the Senate that would extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies (to stop healthcare costs from skyrocketing as a result of the Republican’s Big Beautiful Bill). Problem is, political pundits are already sayingthat“future”voteisalreadyDOA.Two:Aguaranteethat federalemployeeswhowerelaidoffduringtheshutdownare going to be rehired and get back pay. Problem is, this does nothing for the huge number of federal employees laid off before the shutdown Also, those layoffs have already been declared illegal by multiple court cases. So, folks were going to get those jobs back (with back pay) without the punk out. Three:Threemoney-generatingbillsattachedtothereopening of the government Problem is, those three bills are part ofapackageofbillstheSenateisrequiredtopassinorderto enact the 2026 Federal Budget In short, the Democrats got notadamnthing.Notonlythat,theylostthemomentumthey hadwhentheentirecountryvotedonNov.4foraBlueWave of Democrats willing to stand and fight against all this GOP anti-democracy,anti-workingpeople,anti-humanitymadness.
White-washingviolence
America. This study is being whitewashed in order to continue the centuries-old false narrativethatBlackfolkarethebiggestcriminals in America. But this new study only confirms past studies and Department of Justice crime stats for the past few decades, that even though we are painted as the face of criminality, the numbers say the exact opposite Youmaynotthinkthisisabigdeal But such narratives painted by the media and politicians produce the over-policing and over-incarceration of us, and facilitate the general public accepting as okay the continued pardoningofnon-melanatedactualcriminals(Jan 6insurrectionists, etc.).AndnewshasrecentlybrokenthatTrumpispushingthe JusticeDepartmenttoleadacasetoprosecuteandarrestseveralofTrump’s“enemies,”includingformerPresidentBarack Obama.Notcool
NigeriaWest
Did you know that the most Nigerian city in America is H-Town? Houston is home to over 60,000 Nigerians, the largest number of Nigerians outside of Nigeria. The Lone Star State’s only Black-owned bank, Unity National Bank, is Nigerian-led.WazobiaMarket,a14,000-square-footstore,is oneofthelargestNigerian-ownedsupermarketsinthenation And what about them Nigerian restaurants like Suya on the Spot,FamousPrincesAfricanKitchen,andmanymore?Good eating in every corner of the city And Houston’s diversity is flavored by several other African, Caribbean, South American,andAsiannations.Don’tlethatersofhumanityconvince you that our diversity is a danger Without it, Houston ain’t Houston.
ONTHEWEB
•Check out the op-ed ‘Not your grandmother’s grandmother.
The Department of Justice has deleted from its website a recent study that showed that right-wing, white supremacist-ledviolencehasoutpacedallotherformsofviolencein
•HiddenHouston:HowBlackcommunitiesrevivedoverlookedspaces.
•Terrance’s Take: Grambling State/Bethune-Cookman halftimemeleejustabadlook
Though some are praising the eight U.S. Senators (seven Democratic and one Independent) who voted with Republicans to in the government shutdown, the vast majority of Democratic voters are calling them the ‘Sellout Caucus.’ Credit: Harold Mendoza/Unsplash.
Aswad Walker
TSUinvestigation
Lawmakers, alumni weigh in as Texas Southern faces another state investigation
ByReShondaTate
Texaslawmakers andalumni arespeakingout afterwhatsome arecallingapolitical attack on TexasSouthernUniversity,followingGov.GregAbbottandLt.Gov DanPatrick’s decisiontoorder a TexasRangers investigationinto theHBCU.
Despitethefactthattheinvestigationisstillongoing,Abbottand Patrickhavealreadydescribedthe auditfindingsas“significant”and “disturbing,”withPatrick calling forapossiblefreezeonTSU’sstate funding—amovethatcoulddisruptoperationsfortheuniversity’s 9,000 studentsand 1,400faculty andstaff
“Everyoneinvolvedmustbe held accountable,”saidPatrick, addingthatnomoretaxpayerdollars shouldgotoTSU “until this issueisresolved.”
At issueisanauditthatuncoveredwhatstateofficialsdescribed as majorgapsinTSU’s financial management andprocurement systems.But critics arguethat thepublic rolloutofthe findings, before thefinal audit report is released,suggestssomethingdeeper: arenewed attemptto question TSU’sleadershipandindependence
TSUBoard of Regents
Benhamsaidinastatement.“Universityofficialshavebeencooperatingwiththe StateAuditor since theaudit’sinceptionandlookforwardtoreviewingandaddressing thefindings.”
TSU,theonlypublicuniversity in Texasnot part of alargeruniversitysystem, is slated to receive $123 millioninstate fundingfor fiscalyear2026—nearlyhalfofits projected$248 millionoperating budget.
Questions ofaccountability and autonomy
Forsomestate leaders, the audit’sfindings demand action Forothers,thetimingandtoneof thestate’sresponseraisesredflags aboutpolitical motivationsand historical inequities in howBlack institutions aretreated
StateSen. Borris Miles, who represents TSU’sdistrict, said thesituation is “deeplyconcerning,”and troublinginhow it was handled.
ChairJames M. Benham acknowledged that theuniversity has faced“historical challenges relatedtofinancial oversight, procurementpractices,and compliance,”but said theschoolhas alreadytaken corrective steps
“Anongoing,self-initiated internal examinationidentified processdeficiencies,andeffortsto addressthesewereconveyedtothe StateAuditor’steamattheoutset,”
“Ifthe allegationsoffinancial mismanagementand misuse of statefunds aretrue, this is unacceptable,”Miles said “Wemustimplement changestoensurethat TSUcomplieswithstate regulationswhilecontinuingitsimportantroleinadvancing highereducation.”
Still,Milescriticizedstateleadersforfailingtonotifyhimearlier aboutthe ongoingaudit.
“Thisaudit hasbeengoing on formonths, andIamhighlydisappointedthatIwasnotinformed andfound outthisinformation at thesametimeasthe public,” he said
He also warned that thesituation couldbecomea pretext forunderminingTSU’s independence
“Ihopetheseallegationsarenot anotherattempt by theState to stripthisuniversityofitsindependence andforce it into astate system,”Milessaid.“Whileoversight, reform,andtransparencyarenecessary,wemustalsopreserveTSU’s autonomyanditsmissiontoserve underrepresentedcommunities.”
StateRep.RonReynolds,aTSU alumnus,wentfurther,callingthe investigation a“politicallymotivatedattack.”
“Thisisnot aboutaccountability. This is abouthumiliation, control, andanother attempt to tear down abeaconofBlack excellence,”Reynoldssaid.“When issues ariseatother stateschools, they aremet with resources and support. When it’s TSU, the response is an investigation led bytheTexasRangers.Thatdouble standardisclear,anditwillnotgo unchecked.”
StateRep.Jolanda Jonesquestioned thegovernor’srolein thematter, noting that Abbott appoints theschool’sboard of regents.
“Ifthere’s anymalfeasance goingon, what does that have to do with theuniversitywhenyou appointedthepeoplewhorunthe university?”Jones said.“This is yetanotherexampleof(Abbott’s) long patternofattacking Black students,Black communities, andhistoricallyBlackinstitutions since he’s been in office.Hehas repeatedlygoneafterTSU,Prairie View,andotherBlack-ledinstitutionswhilefailingtoholdhisown appointees accountable.”
AuditfindingsandUniversity response
AccordingtoState AuditorLisa Collier, staffing shortagesatTSU contributedto“significantfinancial andoperationalweaknessesrelated toassetmanagement,procurement andcontracting,and financial reporting.”Among thefindings:
•743 invoices worth$282.2 milliontiedtoexpired vendor contracts
•8,144 invoicestotaling$158 milliondated before approval •Delayed financialstatements (2023-10 months late,2024-4 months late
Theaudit, whichbegan in May, is stillongoing. Colliersaidshe planstomeetwithTSU officials, andafinal report has notyet been released
TSUofficialssaidtheyhave alreadyaddressedsomeofthe findings,includinginstallinganew
procurementsystemand hiring additional financialstaff.
Ahistoryoffinancial turmoil
TSUhas faced scrutiny in the past over an admissions scandal, financialmanagementand contractingissues,andhasexperienced turnover amongpresidents, board membersandschoolofficials.TSU supportershavestaunchlydefended theirstatusasthelastindependent public universityinthe state.
“Thisisbeyondfrustrating,” said Jones, whoisaTSU alumnus. “Whatother university has their auditfindings putonblast by the governor?They’re puttingthisout like TSUismismanaging money, when themajorityoftheir allegationsare paperworkissues (which I’mallforfixing).Butthis‘Ohhere theBlack folksgostealingagain,’ tropeisold andplayedout.This is them laying thegroundworkto move us to astate system.”
ButalumniJ.Kingsaidregardless of whetherthisisanattackor not,TSUhastotakesomeaccountability. “Ifwedon’t take care of businessinternally, someoneelse will do it forus—and notinour best interest,” King said.Wecan’t keep blamingthe statefor everything. Thetruth is,our househas notalwaysbeeninorder.And we givethemtheammunitiontoattack us.Weknowtheyare lookingfor anyreasontobring us down.It’s timewestopgivingthemreasons.”
DN
Houston CityCouncil pauses plan to inspect unsafe apartments
By Tannistha Sinha
Frustrationcontinues to boil inside HoustonCityHallasCouncilmember Letitia Plummer’slong-foughtapartmentinspection ordinance,yearsinthemakinganddesignedto protecttenantsfromslumlords,diedinawave ofproceduralhesitationsandpoliticalcaution
Theproposal,formallyknownastheHoustonMulti-FamilyHabitabilityCode, would have createdanew inspection andenforcementsystemtargeting high-risk apartment complexesacrossthecity
It called forthe creation of an Apartment StandardsEnforcementCommittee (ASEC), across-departmentaltaskforce pullingrepresentativesfromthe city’s departmentsto coordinatehowHoustonhandlessubstandard properties.
Undertheordinance,thetopfivemulti-familyrentalbuildingswithpersistenthealthand safety complaints or at least10verifiedcode violations in asix-month period wouldhave been labeled“High-RiskRentalBuildings.” Owners of thesepropertieswould then face increasedscrutinyand routineinspections,a
firstforHouston,wheremorethanhalfofthe residentsarerenters
Yearsinthemaking
Plummer,whorepresentsAt-LargePosition 4,spokeofresidents“barricadingthemselvesin bathroomsbecauseratsweretakingovertheir apartments,”andoffamiliespayingrenttolive in“communitiesthatarenotfair.”
“Ifthey[residents]call311onamoldissue, they have to go throughthe Health Department,”Plummer told theCouncil.“It takesa longtimetogetthingsrectified.Wedon’thave time to wait.Residents can’tevenlivethere Thesefolks arepayingrentevery singleday. Theycan’t afford food,theycan’t afford gas. If nothingelse, this sendsamessage to those landlordsthatwearewatchingthem.Thisisnot becauseI’mleaving.I’mdoingthisbecauseI’ve beenfightingforthisforyears.”
Plummer,whowillsoonbesteppingdown from hercurrent seat as sherunsfor Harris County judgenext year,reminded colleagues thattheconversationdatesbackto2004under MayorBillWhite,witheverypriorattemptto
implementacitywideinspectionprogram“failingeverysingletime.”
City Attorney Arturo Michel warned that thecurrentdraftlackedanappealprocessand contained“dueprocessissues”thatcouldrender itunenforceable
“Ihadmembersaskmetohavehearingsonit andI’mlisteningtothemembers,I’mlistening tothestakeholders,”MayorJohnWhitmiresaid. “Urgencyisimportant,butdoingitrightiseven
moreimportantandIdon’tthinkwe’regoingto changeeachother’sminds.”
Hedescribedtheordinanceas“anunfinished product”atthefinishline,warningthatrushing itcouldbackfire,potentiallyreducinghousing stockand worseninghomelessnessifowners simplyshutdownfailingpropertiesratherthan fixthem.
Urgencyandprecision
CaseyMorgan,CEOoftheHoustonApartment Association(HAA),praised Plummer’s intentbutarguedtheordinancewasnotready, addingtheorganizationhassentacounterproposalwithrecommendedsolutions.
“We, too, aresupportiveofthisconcept,” Morgansaid.“However,HAAisnotsupportive oftheproposedordinanceinitscurrentform Ourbiggestconcernisifweunnecessarilyrush this processnow,werisklosingthe momentumthatyou have builtonthiscriticaltopic andultimatelypassafraudproposal,onethat theadministrationhasexpressedsomeenforceabilityconcernsandonethatpossiblywouldnot yieldtheresultsthatwewant.”
The proposal’sfailurehighlights thecity’songoing struggle to balance tenant safety with landlord oversight. Credit:CityofHouston
DN Health
Fight DiabetesWith Small ChangesToday
ByERICNEZERWA,MD
Diabetesimpacts millions of Americans, affecting families, communities,and livesinprofound ways.ThisNovember,we’refocusingon awareness, understanding,and simple steps to prevent and managediabetes.
WhyDiabetes AwarenessMattersiabetesAwareness Matters
Black Americans arenearly twice as likelytodevelop diabetes as White Americans, accordingtothe CDC, and face higher risksofcomplications like kidneydisease,blindness, and amputations.
Simple Steps To PreventType2 SimpleSteps entType2 Diabetes
• GetMoving: GetM Just 30 minutes of daily activity, likewalking, canhelp regulate blood sugar
• Stay Informed: Talk to your doctor about your unique risk factors,
including familyhistory and lifestyle, to create apersonalized preventionand detection plan.
• EatMindfully::Focus on balanced mealswithvegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while cutting backonsugarydrinks and processed foods.
• KnowYourNumbers: Asimple bloodtestcan detectprediabetes early, even if youhaveno symptoms.
ManagingDiabetes Starts With Small nagin Steps
Livingwithdiabetes canfeel overwhelming, butconsistent, manageableactions canleadto significant improvements:
• Work With Your Doctor: th :A personalized care plan canhelp you
balance medications, nutrition, and exercise.
• TrackYourBlood Sugar: TrackYourBloodSugar:Monitoring your glucose helps youunderstand howfood, activity,and stress affect your body
• SupportYourMental Health: SupportYourM alth: Diabetes affects more than just physical health. Talking to a counselor or joining asupport groupcan helpmakemanaging diabetes easier.
HowYou CanHelp LovedOnes
Even if they don’t have diabetes,you canmakea difference by encouraging lovedonestoschedulescreenings, planning healthymeals together,and joiningthem in physical activities
Visit kelsey-seybold.com old.com or call 713-442-70013-442-7001toschedule aconsultation with aKelsey-Seyboldprovider
ShoreHarbourClinic.
Eric Nezerwa, MD, is aboard-certified family medicineand primarycarephysician whocares forpatientsat Kelsey-Seybold’sSouth
Scan to view his online profile.
Confusion at Cuney Homes
Residents speak on renovations, relocation
ByAswadWalker
Confusion reigns at Houston’s historic Cuney Homes, where residents are hearing conflictingmessagesaboutthelong-awaited $50millionrenovationandrelocationplan
At a recent meeting, some residents said they were clear on next steps. Others left with more questions than answers.
What’scertainisthattheHoustonHousingAuthority(HHA)receiveda$50million ChoiceNeighborhoodGrantfromHUDto renovateCuneyHomes,thecity’sfirstpublic housing project, built in 1938. But how thoserenovationswillunfoldandwhenresidentswillmoveduringthesix-yearproject remains unclear.
Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI), with an office on the Cuney grounds, has become a first stop for residents seeking answers. However, USI isn’t handling renovations or relocations. Its job is to provide support services and direct inquiries to the Choice Neighborhood phone line
Renovationsneeded
Mostresidentsagreetheworkisoverdue.
“Iwasbornandraisedhere,”oneresident toldKHOU “I’vewatchedtheseapartments go from being something to nothing. So, it definitely needs a renovation.”
AccordingtoHHA,theprojectwilloccur in five phases through 2032, starting with demolition on the east side for new family andseniorhousing.Someresidentssaidthey weretoldtheprojectwouldstartthismonth. Others said they haven’t heard a thing.
The Defender reached out to HHA for comment but received no response
Confusion
Multiple outlets reported that residents could begin moving as soon as November, but many still don’t know where or when they’ll go
for
An HHA statement said, “All temporary housing will remain in the Third Ward for peoplewhowanttoremainnearby…Those who wish to return… will be able to live in modern and energy-efficient homes.”
The agency also said residents could choose other affordable housing options before moving back, but according to ABC13, some of those no longer exist
“Insteadofbeinghonestwiththepeople, what I hear in the meeting is they want to weanallthesingleparentsout,”said14-year residentJaniceMakey.“Theysay,‘Oh,we’ve gotaplaceinHumbleorSpring.’Whowants to go way out there? I’m 67 years old. This isallIknow—ThirdWardandSouthPark.”
Changeofplans
Longtime residents say confusion stems fromchangestotheoriginalplan;onedeveloped with heavy resident input alongside HHA staffers Sasha Marshall Smith and Krista “Folade” Madzimoyo, who earned trust through clear communication and community programs.
Makey recalled, “They were going to build some flats for people like me who are disabled,andsometownhouseswithstores underneath—like a washateria.”
That earlier plan called for building row housestotemporarilyhouseresidentswhile renovations were underway.
“That plan just went ka-poosh,” said Makey.
Last year, HHA bought land for housing intended for Cuney residents, but that land was later sold Another project was halted afterfederalinvestigatorsfounditwasbeing built on toxic ash.
“They were doing a lot of good things,” saidMakey.“Now,withoutSashaandthem here, I don’t come out, because all they do
DISTRICTD MAKEUP
is lie to us.”
Thecurrentreality
Many residents say they’re being kept in the dark.
“Theysaytheygaveusacasemanager… I ain’t seen nobody,” said Makey. “They’ve been over here a little over a year I’veseenacaseworkeronetime,”added Irenda Jefferson, an eight-year resident “Nobodyhasspokentome Iwasn’ttoldthat wehavetomove There’salotIwasn’ttold.”
One elderly woman, who withheld her name, had a different take They’ll be paying for us to move out and paying for us to come back. I’m good with that,” she said
Thegood,badandugly
Residents acknowledge struggles with violence and poor maintenance.
“I’ve been living with rats and bats the whole eight years I’ve been here,” said
Jefferson.
But others insist there’s still pride
“I got some pretty good neighbors,” said Edrick Rhodes.
Jefferson and Makey credited local officialslikeCouncilmemberDr.CarolynEvans Shabazz, State Rep. Jolanda Jones, and the lateCongresswomanSheilaJacksonLeefor support.
“It could be worse, ” Makey said “Thank God you have a roof over your head.”
Whatcomesnext
HHA says more than 70% of residents wanttoreturnafterrenovations.Someplan tocomeback.Othersarereadytomoveon.
“Once I leave, I’m gone,” said Rhodes.
Makey is torn
“When you don’t know where you’re going or when, or how, it gets frustrating,” she said “I’m not going to allow them to knockonmydooronFridayandsayIneed to be gone Monday.”
Cuney Homes, Houston’s oldest public housing complex, built in 1938, is scheduled
makeover. Credit: Aswad Walker.
Cuney Homes residents Irenda Jefferson and Janice Makey were actively involved in creating the renovation plan that was eventually awarded a $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhood Grant Credit: Aswad Walker.
InFocus
De-Coding Discrimination
Blackcommunityhit hard by AI stereotypes
By ReShonda Tate
Asartificial intelligence(AI) becomes increasinglywoven into ourdaily lives, atroublingtruth is emerging:The technology designedto advancehumanityisalsoamplifying itsoldestprejudices.
From OpenAI’sSora2 videogeneratorwhichhasbeenusedtoproduceraciallymockingportrayalsofBlack people -toChatGPT andGoogle’sGeminiexhibitingbiasinspeech thepromiseofinnovationiscollidinghead-on with thepersistence of racism.
Anew studyfromthe Allen Institutefor Artificial Intelligence foundthatlarge languagemodelsconsistentlyassociate African AmericanVernacularEnglish(AAVE)(Ebonics) with negative stereotypes. Researchers discovered that AI systems penalize speakers of AAVE, oftenlabelingtheir speech as “less professional,”“angry,”or“incoherent.”
“These biases arenot just theoretical,”said Valentin Hofmann, lead researcher on the
study. “Theycan impact whethersomeone gets ajob interview, aloanapproval, or even fairtreatmentincourt.Whenthesystemsused to make decisionsatscale inheritour social biases,those prejudices become automated.”
TheSoracontroversy
Perhapsthe most chilling exampleofthis new digitalracism comescourtesyofSora, OpenAI’s highly touted text-to-videogenerator.Marketedasa creative tool forfilmmakers,educators,andcontentcreators,Sora allows userstotypeasentenceand instantly produce alifelikevideo.Withinweeks of its demo, Sora-createdvideos floodedsocia media, including racist fakesthatlookedso real,evenmajor newsrooms were fooled
Oneviralvideo depicted aBlack woman usingexaggeratedAAVEtorantaboutselling hergovernmentSNAPbenefits. Theclipwas completelyfabricated,butFoxNewspublished adigital storypresentingitasfact, complete with quotes from thefictional woman.
Afterviewers on social mediaflagged the videoas AI-generated, Foxquietly edited the
articleandaddedabriefnoteacknowledging theerror.Bythen, thedamagewas done:the fakecliphadbeensharedthousandsoftimes, reinforcing long-debunked“welfarequeen” stereotypes.
“These arenot innocentmistakes,” Hofmannsaid. “Whenmajor mediaoutlets amplifyfakecontent that dehumanizes Black people,itreinforcesdangerousnarrativesthat have existed forgenerations.”
“Intoday’s policy landscape, withouta strong AI Accountability ActorFTC oversight,the penaltyfor this kind of editoria negligence is virtuallynonexistent,”HoustonAIethicistAngelicaRenee said.“That’s whywehavetomovebeyondlabeling—to demandingenforceable ethicaland verification standardsfor anymedia outlet usingor reportingonAIcontent.”
Theaccountabilitygap
Reneesaidincidents like theFox News deepfake exposea deeper systemic failure, thelackofenforceable policy.
“There wasapolicyintroducedin2023 called theAILabelingAct of 2023,” Renee explained.“It largelyinvolvesthe metadata andembeddingofAIvideos.But rightnow thebillisjustsitting in committee.”
Withoutpassage,there’s no legalconsequenceformediaoutletsorplatformsthatfail to disclose, or that misuse,AIcontent
“Thishonestlymeans that mediaoutlets cangetawaywithsimplylabelinginformation as AI withoutramification, even if it causes harm,”shesaid.“Unlessyou’redoingthedeepdive research into what themetadatasays— andlet’s be real,mostpeoplewon’t —you’d neverknow. Andasweall know,perception is reality, especiallyinmedia.”
Reneeargues that theabsence of clear regulation leaves Blackcommunities most vulnerable
“Holdingmassmediaoutletsandsocialplatformsaccountablestartswithshaping smart, equitableAIpolicy,”shesaid.“Clear,enforceable rulesmustbeputinplaceregardingthecreation anddissemination of targetedAI-driven disinformation,whichposes aunique andsevere threat.”
AngelicaRenee
Thatthreat,sheadded, becomesespeciallycriticalwhenAIisusedto fabricatevideosofBlack activists, politicians, or communityleaders,turningthemintodigitalcaricaturesmeanttodiscredi orsilencethem.
“Whenfalse imagery underminesour public standing, it isn’tjust propaganda,” Reneesaid. “It’spsychological warfare.”
Digitalblackfaceand “BigfootBaddie”
TheSoracontroversyfollowsanotherwave ofraciallychargedAIcontent:atrendknown as “Bigfoot Baddie.”
Across TikTok andInstagram,pages with nameslikeFemaleBigfootandBigfootBaddies havegainedhundredsofthousandsoffollowersbypostingAI-generatedvideosofgorillas depicted as hypersexualizedcaricatures of Blackwomen,deckedoutinblondewigs,long nails, andglitterycroptops.
Thecharacters useexaggeratedslang and stereotypicalAAVE, delivering monologues thatareasoffensiveastheyareabsurd.“What’s up b**es, it’s Bigfoot, thebaddestb*h in the woods.Part-timecryptic,full-timeproblem,” oneviral clip begins Somecommenterslaugh;othersexpressdisgust.Butthefactthatmillionsofusersengage with this content, even ironically,shows how AI is giving newlifetoold racist tropes.
Dr.SafiyaNoble,authorof Algorithms of Oppression said this phenomenon reflects howdeeply racism is embeddedindigital spaces.
“Thesesystemsdon’tjustreproducestereotypes—theyindustrializethem,”Noblesaid “It’sanautomated caricature,and it’s deeply harmful.”
Medialiteracy: Thefirstlineofdefense
Reneeinsists that educationisjustas importantasregulation
“Thisiswhy I’ve always been astrong advocate formedia literacy,” shesaid. “Just like financialliteracy, medialiteracywillbe paramountinshaping future minds. Butas I’vealsomentionedbefore,willfulignorance andlearned helplessnesshaveplayedsucha pivotalroleincertaincommunities’assimilationofmedia,andwithAI,that’sonlybeing amplified.”
Shebelievesthatschools,churches, and community groups must startteachingdigital literacythatincludes racial awareness
andAIbias.
“Digitalliteracyhastoevolvetoteachalgorithmicskepticism,”Renee said.“Ask: Who made it?Whatdatatrained it?Who benefits —and who’sharmed?”
ShesuggeststhateducatorsintroduceCriticalMediaForensics,practicallessonsinspottingdeepfakes,readingAIlabels,andtracing sources.
“The goal is notjusttoteach people to detectfakecontent,”Reneesaid,“buttounderstandhowthatcontentisweaponizedagainst marginalized groups.”
Reneealsowarns that Blackusers face particular riskswhentrustingAItools built withouttheminmind.
“The primarydangeristhe multiplication andautomationofsystemic racial bias,” she said.“Thinkoffacial-recognitionsystemsthat misidentify Blackfaces, leadingtowrongful arrests. Or healthcare algorithms trainedon unequaldatathatunderestimatepainlevelsor cancer risksfor darker-skinned patients. The list goes on.”
ForRenee,the lessonissimple: “Wehave to thinkcriticallyabout themedia we consume —and thetools we usetocreateit. We can’tfightwhatwecan’trecognize,”sheadded.
“Media literacy is thefirst defenseagainst digitalracism,it’s howwereclaim our power. ForBlack communities, the stakes areclear:the fightfor equality isn’t just in thestreets or thecourtsanymore —it’sinthe code, theclassrooms, and thepolicyroomsthat decide whogets to definereality.”
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future, experts warn that bias codedintoA systems can amplifyracial stereotypesand misinformation —underscoring theurgent need forethical safeguards and media literacy. GettyImages
Howtospot adeepfakevideo
As digital racism and disinformationbecome moresophisticated, knowing howtospot AI-generateddeepfake videosisacrucial skill Here are5-steps to help youverify content:
1
Scrutinizethe face andeyes. Look fortelltale signsofdigital manipulationinthe subject’s face.Dotheyblink naturally? Arethe emotions in the face consistent with thespeech and context?
2
Check the Audio-Visual
Sync Acommon failure point fordeepfakes is synchronizingthe audio and video seamlessly. Look to seeifthereis alag and that person’slipsexactly match thewords they aresaying
3
Examinehands,teeth, anddetails. AI oftenstruggles with thecomplexityof fine details. Aretherefivefingers? Arethe hands positioned, shaped, and moving in anaturalway?
4
Vetthe source and context. Don’ttrustthe video on itsface—trace
itsorigins.Who originally posted thevideo?Isitfroma verified, credible account or anewsorganization, or an anonymous/newly createdaccount?Has thestory or event been reportedbymultiple trustednews sources? Search for thevideo or keyquotes to seeifits authenticityhas been debunked If it seemstoo shocking or outrageous,beextra skeptical.
5
Watchfor physics-defying glitches. Look for basicinconsistencies that violatereal-worldphysics. Do objects,likeapair of glasses or jewelry, flicker, disappear,or morph betweenframes? Does the background warp,shimmer,ordistort around thesubject’s outline?
Bigfoot Baddie hasgarnered millions of followers Credit: IG
Profile DN
Ashley Small Makes big impactin HoustonPRspace
By AswadWalker
When Ashley Small arrivedinHouston yearsago,she didn’t just find anew home shefoundastagebigenoughforhercreativity anddrive.Today,the Tulsanativeisfounder andCEO of Medley,Inc., oneofthe city’s most respectedpublicrelations anddigital marketingfirms
Small’s storyisrootedinresilience.Her great-aunt, Roanna McClure, wasone of the last survivorsofthe 1921 TulsaRace Massacre.ThatsamespiritdrivesSmall,whoturned acareersetbackintoa16-year runofentrepreneurialexcellence
“Itwas around 2008 when Twitterand social mediawerebooming, andthe newspaperindustrydeclinedbyabout50%,”Small recalls.“MyjobattheHoustonChroniclewas eliminated.Iknewitwasagoodopportunity toexploresomethingentrepreneurial,andwe birthedMedley.”
That leap has blossomedintoan award-winningagencywithaclient list that readslikea corporateand community who’s who. Earlier this year,Medleyearnedone of theindustry’shighest honors: Mid-Size Agency of theYear from thePublic Relations SocietyofAmerica
CraftingaMedley
“I always wanted to be amultimedia professional,”Small explains. “AtTexas Southern University,Itookbroadcast, print,speechand businessclasses. Iknew Iwantedtofusethose worlds to create a sustainablefuture,onewherenotwodays wouldeverbethesame
“Everydayisfullofcreativityandalittlebit of magic. Andthat’show Ishaped Medley.”
Fromdayone,Smallaimedtodeliver resultswithculturalcompetence, honoringthe voicesand livedexperiences of Houston’sdiversecommunities.
Climbingagainsttheodds
“Asa first-generation entrepreneur anda first-generationcollege-educated person myfamily,ithasbeenchallenging,”Smallsa “Whether it’s investors, bank loansoracces toequity,Blackwomenfaceanumberofbar riers.Scalinghasalwaysbeenachallenge.”
Still,Medleyhasflourished.
“Wedohaveemployees.Weofferarobus 401(k)andfullsuiteofhealthinsurance.Ido mybest,butitdoesn’tmeanit’snotmetwith challenges,”statedSmall
Big-timeclients, biggerimpact
Withheart,grit and Black girl magic, Ashley Small has createda PR powerhousewith acommunity consciousness, MedleyInc.
Credit: Aswad Walker
MBKTulsasincethen,andit’sbeenincredibly rewardingandfullcircle.”
becauseofsomeone IknewfromTulsa who believedinme,”Smallrecalled.
Medley’s professionalismand visionhave landedcontractswithComcast,MajorLeague Baseball,AT&T,Kroger, MidtownHouston andmore.YetSmallfindsequaljoyinserving nonprofits
“We’ve been intentionalabout working withnonprofitorganizations,”shesaid.“The Rose[alocalnonprofit]isliterallyproviding free mammograms forwomen in need.To knowwehadasmallpartmakesmefeelenergizedeverysingleday.”
Onemeaningful collaborationcame throughtheObamaFoundation’sMyBrother’sKeeper(MBK)initiativeinTulsa
“About twoyears ago, Igot acallthatthe ObamaFoundationwas expandingits work in Tulsa,”sharedSmall.“We’veworkedwith
Colleagues praise herleadership.Dee Brown, former TV news producer andcreativedirectoratHappy&HomeMedia,notes: “It’sbeensucha privilegetowatch Medley grow andthriveoverthe years. What I’ve enjoyedmostisseeingAshleyinherelement, leadingtheagencywithsuchgrace,grit,consistencyanddrive.”
Standingonshoulders
Smallcredits thosewho helped heralong theway,including KevinHooks, aTulsa native whorosetoprominence at Weber Shandwick,oneoftheworld’stopPRfirms.
“WhenIwasincollegeatTSU,Icalledhim andsaid, Ineed to getaPRinternship. Igot to flyout to LA,livethere forthe summer andinterninthe topagencies in theworld
ShealsoremembersthesteadyencouragementofTSU’sDr.VeraWalkerHawkins.
“She really rooted formeand helpedme getthroughwhenIhadchallengingtimesin college,”Smallshared
Beyondtheboardroom
Forall theaccolades, Smallremains grounded in gratitude, family andjoy.She makestimetorewatchclassicslike SisterAct 2andSpikeLee’sCrooklyn,andshe’slearning toslowdown—sometimesbysimplyplanting herfeetinthegrasstorecharge.
It’s that blendofambition, culturalrootednessandhumanitythatmakesSmallmore than aPRpowerhouse. She’sarolemodel, mentorandlivingexampleofwhatresilience, visionandheartcancreate
Heritage park honors Ft Bend history-makers
By AswadWalker
At amomentinAmericancontemporary realitywhenitseemsanythingandeverything relatedtoBlackhistoryisbeingerased,banned, and/orcriminalized, somethinghistorichas riseninKendleton,TX.
LocatedinFortBendCounty,48milesoutsidetheHoustoncitylimits,Kendletonrecently becamehometotheAfricanAmericanHeritage MonumentandParkduringadedicationceremonyatBatesAllenPark(630CharlieRoberts Ln.,Kendleton,77451).
TheAfrican American Heritage Monumentand Park is aboldaffront to theattacks onBlackhistoryandBlackpeoplethroughthe legaldemiseofAffirmativeAction,theoutlawingofDEIprograms,andthedemonizationof CriticalRaceTheory(CRT).
Themonumentandparkisdescribedbyone ofitspromotionalvideosasa“storyofheroes whofaceddowndarknesssothatwemaylive inlight.”
“TheAfricanAmericanHeritageMonument andParkismorethanalandmark;itisaliving legacyandtestimonytoresilience,”saidCommissionerDexterL.McCoy,FortBendCounty Precinct 4, oneofthe personstospearhead this initiative. “Wewantevery visitortoleave inspired,understandingthehistorythatshaped usandenvisioningtheunitywemustcontinue tobuildtogether.”
Themonumentandparkissaidtobea“livingmonument”anda“placeofhealing,reflection,andheritage.”
StepAfrika!
Brings the history of the Great Migration to life
ByLauraOnyeneho
When choreographer Jakari Sherman first encountered painter Jacob Lawrence’s iconic Migration Series, the colors struck himbeforeanythingelse
The bold reds, yellows and blues seemed toleapoffthecanvas,carryingtheweightof six million African Americans who left the South between 1910 and 1970 in search of new lives in the North and West For Sherman, a Houston native and longtime member of Step Afrika!, those colors became movement,rhythmandstory.
“WhatLawrencedidwithpaintandbrush, wetrytodowithourbodies,”Shermansaid “We use sound, light, rhythm and stepping to evoke the same emotions that those 60 panelscaptured.”
Thattranslationturninghistoryintochoreography is the foundation of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, one of Step Afrika!’s most celebrated productions.
Since its creation in 2011, the show has toured nationally and internationally. Now, itreturnstoHoustononNov14-15,bringing with it not just performance, but conversationabouthistory,resilienceandbelonging.
Movementasavesselof memory
StepAfrika!istheworld’sfirstprofessional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, a percussive dance form originating from African American fraternities and sororities. Founder C. Brian Williams sees steppingasmorethanperformance;hecalls itavesselforculturalmemory
“Ourhistorylivesinourbodies,”Williams said “Every step we take, every stomp and clap,carriesthebloodandtheexperienceof ourancestors Evenifyoudon’tknowthehistory,it’sinsideyou.That’swhatmakesdance suchapowerfulmedium.”
Williams, a seventh-generation Texan,
Step Afrika! has performed in over 60 countries, toured off-Broadway and become a vital platform for arts education, cultural preservation and Black artistic excellence. Credit:StepAfrikavia/PerformingArtsofHouston/JatiLindsay
sees the Great Migration as part of his own family’s story. Some relatives left Texas for California and Chicago, while others remainedrootedintheSouth.BringingThe Migration to Houston is not just a professionalmilestonebutapersonalone.
“Everybodyhasamigrationstory,”hesaid “Latino, African, European, Native American, especially in Texas. This work is a way tohonorthat.”
Sherman’s challenge was to take Lawrence’s visual language and transform it into the vocabulary of stepping He found a surprising parallel in Lawrence’s process: Thepainterwouldchooseacolorandapply
it across all 60 panels before moving on to thenext,creatingconsistencyandcohesion. Shermanapproachedchoreographythesame way, layering stepping motifs, rhythms and movementsacrossa90-minuteshow.
“It was like painting with sound and movement,” Sherman explained. “I had to stretch a form that usually lives in five- or ten-minuteburstsintoafull-lengthstory.We hadtofigureout,howdowemakestepping conveyemotion,narrative,evencharacter?”
History’s weight on stage.
TSULONG-SNAPPER
AtheanRenfro
Moves from walk-on to standout running back
By Terrance Harris
Most college running backs would be ecstatic to be in the position Texas Southern runningbackAtheanRenfrofindshimselfin thesedays.
Theredshirtsophomore from Beaumont is the Tigers’ featured runningback,ranking first in the SWAC in rushing. Depending on how things go over thefinaltwogames,he couldendupeclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground this season But wheremostseegreatachievement,Renfrois morefocusedongettingbetter.
“It was really a hard time accepting it,” Renfro said recently to the Defender “I’m having a hard time right now accepting that I’mthe(No.1)rushingbackintheSWACand thingslikethat It’sjusthardformetoaccept that because I know I have to get 1% better everyday.”
TounderstandRenfro’soutlookistoknow hisstory.
He arrived at TSU two years ago as a walk-onlongsnapperafterbreakinghiscollarbone twice at Beaumont United, which caused him to lose his scholarship offers in football and baseball While Renfro had an opportunity, nothing appeared like he had envisioned,anditbotheredhim.
“It was a lot of sleepless nights. My dad coming in and talking to me while I was in myroomandthingslikethat Itwascountless daysofsleeplessnights,”hesaid “Evenwhen Iwasawalk-on,Iwashavingsleeplessnights becauseIneverwouldhavethoughtIwould have a chance to be this person that I am, or
Athean Renfro has consistently given the Texas Southern Tigers the running spark that they need, first as a hardcharging fullback and now as a featured back with a home-run burst Credit: Texas Southern Athletics.
this great person that everybody says that I amrightnow.”
It was his determination, combined with lastyear’scoachingchange,thatbegantoturn thingsaround Renfroworkedwiththetrainers who focused on his body, transforming his 5-foot-9, 255-pound frame into a leaner 220-pound athlete who earned some reps at fullback—albeitonthescoutteam
This is home to me. I love Coach Dish. I love TSU. I tell Coach Dish, I’ve got your back forever. We are going to continuously let this train keep rolling until next season or where God leads us to.”
ATHEAN RENFRO
Itdidn’ttakelongduringlastyear’sspring ball and fall camp for then-new head coach CrisDishmanandrunningbackscoachKimbleAnderstostartnoticinghistalentagainst thefirstandsecond-teamdefenses.
Naturally,Dishmanhadquestions.
“Hewaskillingitonthescoutteam Iwas like,`Whyisthisguyoverhere?’AndKimble lookedathimandsaid,`Ineedthisguy.’Isaid takehimbecausehewaskillingourdefense,” saidDishman. “Hewasrunningoverpeople, dodging people, making people miss I said we need to be playing this guy. He got into a game, showed out, and showed what he cando,andfromthatpointon,hehasnever lookedback.”
His efforts and hard work were rewarded with a football scholarship last fall and a chance to take the field, primarily as a fullback In his first action last season against Virginia-Lynchburg, Renfro scored a 2-yard touchdown on his only carry. Then later in theseason,heexplodedfor129yardsandtwo touchdowns
But the big payoff has come this season with Renfro emerging as the top back in the Tigers’productiverunningbackrotation He exploded during the Tigers’ four-game winning streak, rushing for 133 yards and 152 yards in back-to-back wins against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling State, respectively, while also rushing for 94 yards and a blowout win against Virginia-Lynchburg on Homecomingand145yardsandatouchdown on35carriesinthelossagainstAlabamaState.
With two games remaining on the regular-season schedule, Renfro has rushed for 807 yards, seven touchdowns, and is averaging 89.7 yards per game on 139 carries for
the season Thanks in part to Renfro and the running back rotation that also includes De’VeonFord,JordonDavis,JonathanLewis, andJacobWilliams,theTigershavethesixthbest rushing attack in the SWAC, averaging 175.1 yards per game on the ground to go alongwith15rushingtouchdowns.
But instead of looking at what he has accomplished this season or what it could mean at the end, Renfro is more concerned aboutimprovingforthenextgame It’ssomething the process Anders has instilled in all ofhisbacks.
“As a humble person, nah, I don’t feel accomplished with nothing because I know every day I have to come back out here and continue to work again and work again to prove myself and the critics wrong about whoweareandwhoIam,”saidRenfro,who was named SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after his performance in the win over Grambling State in which he averaged 8.4yardspercarry.“Wearenotwhotheysay weare. ”
Athean Renfro
LARRYSANDERS
Stepsout of theshadows to lead Lamar to itsfirst win
By Jimmie Aggison
LamarHighSchooldesperatelyneeded aspark after starting the2025fallseason 0–3.
SeniorrunningbackLarrySandersprovideditwithburstsof powerand determination.The5-foot-7,170-poundsenior runningbackcarried theTexans to their first winofthe 2025season, scoringfour touchdowns in a38–7 victoryoverAlief Elsik.
ForSanders, thebreakoutperformance wasn’tjustaboutthescoreboard;itwasthe culminationofpatience,preparation and lessons learnedinthe shadowsofastar before him.
“Finishingand notletting up wasmy mindsetheadingintothisgame,”said Sanders. “Weweretired of losing andI knew we needed energy andtoughness from thestart.”
Sandersfinishedwith142 yardsonjust seven carries in hisfirst varsityseason as thestartingrunningback. Lamarhad dropped gamestoAtascocita, Summer CreekandClearSprings,butagainstElsik, thetonewas different.
“Ifeltgoodduringwarmups,”saidSanders. “Mylegs felt freshbecause of theice bath Itookthe daybeforeand after my firstrun,Iknewmylinewasreadytoball.”
He opened thescoring with hisfirst touchdownofthe season on aplaycalled IndianaSmackTrue.
“Thatfirstdrivebroughttheteamenergy andshoweduswewereready to play our game,” said Sanders.
ThewingaveLamarmuch-neededconfidence headinginto6ARegionIII District18play,adistrictthey’vefinished first in each of thepastfouryears
“Weheard thetalkabout how we’reonlygoodindistrictplay,”said Sanders. “But ourlossesthisseason
came mostly from notplaying as ateam. Thiswin gave us confidence.”
Sanders’risetothespotlightdidn’thappenovernight.Asa junior, he satbehind seniorrunningbackChasetonGuidry, usingthe year to study, learnand prepare.
“Heshowedmetobepatientand wait formytime,”saidSanders.“Healsotaught me howtobeslowto, butfastthrough, thehole. With hispass-catchingability,he
showedmetheimportanceofrunningmy routes fullytokeepthe defense on their toes.”
Guidryalsomodeled leadership “Hetaughtmetoset thetoneand pick up my teammates,”saidSanders ForSanders,patiencedidn’tcomeeasily Hehadstartedeveryyearofhiscareeruntil he made thevarsity team as ajunior, but therehewas askedtowait.
“Itwas frustrating, butItrusted the processand used that time to getstronger, smarterand more prepared,” said Sanders.
Guidrysaw theworkfirsthand.
“I watchedLarry putina lotofhard work hisjunioryearand nowIget to see it payoff,”saidGuidry.“What stoodout most washis quicknessand speedout of thebackfield. Larryhas greatvision, patience,control andbalance.”
WhileGuidry providedthe blueprint, Sanders’ styleishis own.
“BecauseI’m5-7,170pounds,I’monthe smallersideforarunningback,”saidSanders. “Peopleremindmeall thetime, but that motivatesmetokeepworking hard.”
ABOUT LARRYSANDERS
Class: 2026
IG: @_liilarry
Twitter: @LarrySanders2_
Position: Running back
Height& weight: 5-feet-7,170
pounds
Favoriteartist: Lil Baby
Status: Uncommitted
Favoritesubjects: Math
Shout-outs: Juelz Wilson, Cruz
Herrera, JacarstenLandor and EnricoMoore
Asajunior,Sandersranfor503rushing yardson65carries,scoring eighttouchdownsand adding 932 all-purpose yards. Through four gamesthisseason, he has runfor 328 yardson44carries with four touchdowns
“I’m asmall runningback, butmy quickness, balanceand toughnessseparate me,” said Sanders. “I canslipthrough tackles easier.”
He models hisgameafterDetroit Lions runningbackJahmyrGibbs.
“He’snot thebiggest,but hisspeed, quicknessandvisionarereallygood,”said Sanders.
LamarheadcoachMichaelLindseysees thosesametraitsinSanders
“Larry is notabig running back,but he is very tough,”saidLindsey.“He has a strong lowerbodyand isn’tscaredtorun inside.Hehaseliteburstspeedandisvery effective in theoutside zone.”
WhileSanders’sizemightmakehiman underdoginsomeeyes,hisleadershipand determinationhavegiven Lamarsomethingmorethanrushing yards: belief
“Gettingourfirstseasonwinshowsthat ifweplayasateam,wecanwindistrictand make aplayoffrun like everyone expects us to,” said Sanders.
“Thewin wasbig,” said Lindsey.“These kids deservedit. Ilovethisseniorclass. They’verespondedwelleachweekandhaven’t made excuses. It’s goingtobeagreat season.”
LindseypraisedSandersforthetonehe sets in practice
“Larry’scompetitivenaturestandsout,” saidLindsey.“Heblocksforhisteammates andmakes impressive efforts downfield when he isn’tgetting theball.”
From waitinghis turn to carrying the load,Sanders’story is proofofwhathappens when patience meets preparation. If thegameagainstElsikwasanyindication, Lamarmay have just foundthe engine to drivethemthrough therestofthe season
“It’searly,” said Sanders. “Westill have alongway to go.”
Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston
